Programmable Intermittent Wiper Relay

Beowulf · Jun 28, 2004

The current relay I have in my car is not programmable (either by design or by flaw). It is part number
1HM 955 531 C (Relay #196).

Looking that part number up on Impex gives the following description:
WIPER RELAY INTERVAL,PROGRAMABL / 3B0955531

which seems to suggest to me that Impex doesn't stock 1HM 955 531 C, but that 3B0 955 531 works as a replacement for it. I've deduced from various sources, that the relay I want (i.e., the programmable relay) is one that has either 99 or 197 emblazoned on the back (not 19 as suggested in Bentley or the 196 I actually have in my car).

Would someone be able to confirm for me that the 3B0 part is either the #99 or #197 relay? Thanks.

Edit: added the info about #197

Beowulf · Jun 28, 2004

Googling, I found this:
http://www.parts4vws.com/catalog/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=3B0955531

It looks like #197 = 3B0 955 531

Rammstein · Jun 29, 2004

The relay doesn't do variable intermitten thingy because it's not supposed to.

The B4 Passats had that feature but not the A3's.

If you look for any wiper relay replacement for a B4 Passat, I bet you'll find the programmable intermittent wiper relay.

ALCO · Jun 29, 2004

True Rammstein, the A3 TDI's did not have intermittents but the older (circa '95) A3 Jetta's had that feature. The older relay is a plug and play upgrade. It's a nice feature to have and dead easy to install.

dieseldorf · Jun 29, 2004

You can just buy the new relay and slap it in. As noted, it's a real nice feature to add to the A3 cars.

IIRC, Impex has the part.

MITBeta · Jun 29, 2004

it's a real nice feature to add to the A3 cars.

I think it would also be a real nice upgrade on the A4 cars.... if only it were that easy...

Beowulf · Jun 29, 2004

It seems that the A3 vehicles also had the programmable intermittent relay until about 1996 at which point VW stopped putting them in due to a high rate of warranty claims for them. I believe post-96 high-end A3s had the programmable intermittent wipers.

I'm disinclined to pay $45 for the relay so I'm trying to find a used one which is why I wanted to sort out the various part numbers.

From my research on Google, Vortex, and here, it seems to break down like this:
#197 - A3 programmable relay standard in 93-96 and possibly later GLX models
#99 - Probably B4 programmable relay

All the various wiper relays for A3s and B4s are interchangable. I definitely want to get the programmable relay.

John Beyer · Jun 30, 2004

I did this on my A3. I replaced a 196 with a 99 which is PN.357 955 531. I got one from L&T Enterprizes pretty cheap.

Beowulf · Jun 30, 2004

Hey, thanks for the reply, John. It's good to fill in the part number for the 99 relay. It looks like I'm going to be able to get a used 99 relay off of the Vortex. Thanks for all the info, guys.

Diesel Dude · Jul 1, 2004

If you install the programable relay do you have to change the switch, or how is the actual wipe interval changed?

John Beyer · Jul 1, 2004

No, you don't have to change the switch. To program the delay time, you push the lever down for the standard intermittent delay time, then you push it back up to off and that starts the programmed delay time. When you push it back down the time you had it off is now the delay time. Kind of slick but not something you'd figure out to quick without reading the manual.

pepper10 · Jul 1, 2004

MITBeta, A4 cars have variable intermitent wiper if I'm not mistaken...

dieseldorf · Jul 1, 2004

the Mk4 cars have 4 switchable MIST positions but they are speed sensitive so in a way, they are infinitely variable, too.

MITBeta · Jul 1, 2004

MITBeta, A4 cars have variable intermitent wiper if I'm not mistaken...

Yes, but you only get 4 positions instead of at least 22 in the B4/A3 variable relay circuit. Even with their road speed compensation they're not as good as the B4s... I like my wipers to wipe only when necessary, no sooner, no later.

dieseldorf · Jul 1, 2004

I like my wipers to wipe only when necessary, no sooner, no later.

Beowulf · Jul 1, 2004

One wipe. One wipe only, please.

Beowulf · Jul 7, 2004

Well, I got my 99 relay in the mail today and installed. I now have programmable intermittent wipers. Way cool. I am far too easily amused.

Anyway, this is what I was able to discover as far as relays and part numbers go:

* 196 (1HM 955 531 C) = non-programmable; standard relay in post-96 A3s
* 197 (3B0 955 531) = programmable; available in some post-96 high-end A3s;
* 99 (1HM 955 531 A) = programmable; standard relay in pre-96 A3s

I couldn't figure out what is the "19" relay that the Bentley manual refers to. It seems it would probably also be a non-programmable relay.

golftdibrad · Jul 7, 2004

One wipe. One wipe only, please.

And, like in Red October, everyone looks at you strangely.

jagster936 · Mar 13, 2017

I hate to dredge this up again but what is different between 197 and 99? I want to get one for my 97 jetta (480k miles!) but not sure which one. My 196 is acting up and finally died I think

jagster936 · Mar 13, 2017

I think I just found out - 197 supersedes 99, thx!

Steve Addy · Mar 15, 2017

jagster936 said:
I think I just found out - 197 supersedes 99, thx!

They all operate the same, 196, 197 and 99 etc. These are variable sweep relays. Relay 19 is not.

Steve

jagster936 · Mar 15, 2017

196 is not. In my car. Non programmable.

vanbcguy · Mar 16, 2017

From earlier in this thread:

* 196 (1HM 955 531 C) = non-programmable; standard relay in post-96 A3s
* 197 (3B0 955 531) = programmable; available in some post-96 high-end A3s;
* 99 (1HM 955 531 A) = programmable; standard relay in pre-96 A3s

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

Steve Addy · Mar 24, 2017

vanbcguy said:
From earlier in this thread:

* 196 (1HM 955 531 C) = non-programmable; standard relay in post-96 A3s
* 197 (3B0 955 531) = programmable; available in some post-96 high-end A3s;
* 99 (1HM 955 531 A) = programmable; standard relay in pre-96 A3s

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

My error, was thinking of 198, not 196. Also I don't believe that all pre-96 Mk3's (at least in the US) got 99 relays. My 1994 Golf did not and the only ones I've seen were on Jetta GLS models.

Steve

jagster936 · Mar 25, 2017

Yea the one I ordered is great. 197 or 99 I forget. You program it with windshield washer command. Kinda silly but works great. You end up wasting a bit of fluid each time. Better than wearing out switch cycling on and off though like what was stated. That isn't how it works and that doesn't work. FYI to all

Programmable Intermittent Wiper Relay

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Top Post Dawg

Veteran Member

Top Post Dawg

Top Post Dawg

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Top Post Dawg

Top Post Dawg

Top Post Dawg

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Top Post Dawg

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Top Post Dawg

Veteran Member